2016 Cabernet Franc

A striking but pleasant combination of fruit and spice, the nose depicts a beautiful mix of caramel, cinnamon, green bell pepper and stone. On the pallet the wine begins fruity with a burst of nectarine and Dapple Dandy Pluot that flows into a classic Cabernet Franc mid palate and finish that showcases minerality and green bell pepper spice with a dutsyness to the tannin that is classic Bordeaux in its quality.

Production notes

All Watermill wines are hand picked late in seasons for maximum ripeness. They are then gently pressed in small volumes and undergo inoculated fermentation in 1 to 1.5 ton small lot fermenters. The wine sits on the skins for more than two weeks where it undergoes additional maceration through punch downs and pump overs for color and tannin integration before being transferred to barrel. All reds age for between 12 and 16 months in a combination of new and neutral medium toast French and American oak before bottling.

Other notes

Cabernet Franc is often an overlooked for its more famous counterpart Cabernet Sauvignon in the Walla Walla Valley, however Watermill Cabernet Franc stands on its own as one of our most distinctive and high quality wines. The only 100% varietal red Watermill produced in 2016, the Cabernet Franc combines in near equal parts fruit from the distinct Rocks District of Milton-Freewater and the classic flavors of the hillside vineyards of the foothills of the Walla Walla Valley.